I was out at the Des Moines Marina yesterday and saw a nice variety of birds;
rafts of Surf & White Winged Scoters, Mallard, Widgeon (both kinds), Greater
Scaup, Grebes (Western, Horned, Red-Necked), Goldeneye (both kinds) Pigeon
Guillemots and Rhinoceros Auklets. I saw one small dark alcid swimming
directly away just at the outer reaches of my scope's range. I was sure it
was another Rhino Auklet, but when it turned its head to the side it had a
dark bill. There was definitely no white on the head or body. The sun was low
in the sky quartering towards me, this was about 3:30 PM with the bird headed
due west. Was this just unfavorable lighting giving the impression of a dark
bill? Do Rhinos ever have dark bills? Any chance this was a Cassin's Auklet?
(seemed too big to me but I've never seen a Cassin's).

Jack Stephens
johnroby at aol.com
Edmonds WA

December 25, 1995